denarius

American  

[dih-nair-ee-uhs] / dɪˈnɛər i əs /

noun

plural

denarii

1. a silver coin and monetary unit of ancient Rome, first issued in the latter part of the 3rd century b.c., that fluctuated in value and sometimes appeared as a bronze coin.

2. a gold coin of ancient Rome equal to 25 silver denarii; aureus.

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denarius British  

/ dɪˈnɛərɪəs /

noun

1. a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation

2. a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii

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Etymology

Origin of denarius

First recorded in 1565–85; from Latin dēnārius, originally an adjective: “containing ten (asses)”; see origin at denary

Example Sentences

"I found two Roman brooches, then a Julius Caesar silver denarius dating from 46-47BC," he said.

From BBC • May 21, 2022

In the early Roman Empire the denarius was 100 percent silver.

From New York Times • May 14, 2018

After 20 years digging up denarius coins on Time Team, he surely knows more than most about the Roman occupation of England.

From The Guardian • Aug. 24, 2015

In Augustus’s time, a silver coin called a denarius was in use throughout the empire.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

The small coin was the silver denarius, forty of which made a solidus.

From A Source Book of Medi?val History Documents Illustrative of European Life and Institutions from the German Invasions to the Renaissance by Ogg, Frederic Austin